GEC to Water Pipe within 5ft of entrance

[W6SJK]

I have an outbuilding with multiple metal water pipe underground entrances, basically at every plumbing fixture. For convenience we took the properly sized GEC to a nearby valve pit just outside the building. The inspector says that is a violation (250.52 (A) (1)) and a GEC needs to be run to an accessible connection INSIDE the building, within 5 ft of pipe entry.

Your opinion? If seems to me that the Code says the underground piping is the electrode and may be used for connection underground or inside the building within 5ft of entrance.

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

250.52(A)(1)
INTERIOR metal water pipe...

I would say that outside the building would not conform.

 

[growler]

I agree with sparkie001, all I see is that interior piping more than 5 ft. from point of entrance to the building shall not be used as part of the grounding electrode system. I don't even see where it's necessary for the water pipe to enter the building. 250.53 (D) again mentions interior water pipes but it doesn't state where connection should be made, only where it shouldn't.

 

[bphgravity]

Your inspector needs more training...

 

[M. D.]

" Your inspector needs more training... "

I agree , there is no violation.

 

[M. D.]

Pierre, the limit is on how far into the building the pipe can be and still be considered as part of the GES. Not that the connection has to be inside.

 

[iwire]

I agree with the 'no violation' crowd.

250.52(A)(1) in part.

........Interior metal water piping located more than 1.52 m (5 ft) from the point of entrance to the building shall not be used as a part of the grounding electrode system or as a conductor to interconnect electrodes that are part of the grounding electrode system. .......

All this tells us is that we can't have the connection more than 5' inside. There is no restriction on how far outside.

In my area outside would be inaccessible but in some areas the water meter and or shutoff valve is in a pit outside.

 

[radiopet]

I agree as this should not be a problem or a violation. However, lets also remember their is an exception that allows the water piping beyond 5' to be used as part of the Grounding Electrode System if certain conditions are met.

The conditiosn are the exception to 250.52(A)(1)

 

[iwire]

However, lets also remember their is an exception that allows the water piping beyond 5' to be used as part of the Grounding Electrode System if certain conditions are met.

Good point, I have used that one myself a long way back.

 

[George Stolz]

Ditto on the "no violation."

 

[infinity]

Here's my vote, no violation.